Japan and other Mekong countries have expressed support for Cambodia’s initiative to establish a joint working group on the Mekong-Japan Economic Recovery Scenarios, according to a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation following their latest meeting on August 6.

The 14th Mekong-Japan Foreign Ministers' Meeting was held via video conference chaired by Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi and attended by foreign ministers from other Mekong countries – Cambodia, Lao, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam.

During the meeting, Cambodian foreign minister Prak Sokhonn proposed that Japan and the Mekong member states consider Cambodia’s initiative to establish the working group to explore possible recovery efforts in revitalising the tourism industry, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), and the much-needed investment in the sub-region.

“The initiative was supported by the chair and all participants of the meeting,” it said.

During the meeting, Sokhonn also underscored that soft and hard connectivity, seamless global supply chain, support for MSMEs, encouragement of travel with mutual recognition of Covid-19 vaccine certificate, and digitalisation of various aspects should be carefully deployed.

He said all of these were to ensure resilience and sustainability in the sub-region during and after the pandemic.